If you’re looking to enhance your waves, you’re in the right place!
I’ve put together a list of wave-enhancing and defining products to help you achieve your best wavy hair ever.
These are cult products, let’s look at why!
Creams and Balms
Jonathan Van Ness started this hair brand in 2021, so it is one of the more recent additions to the hair care world! I’m a big fan of JVN and was keen to try this range. For me, this is the standout product (so far!), and the texture of this lightweight cream is perfect for styling my wavy hair.
This air-dry cream is silicone-free and designed to give definition and a light hold to curls and waves without leaving a crunchy feeling or having to diffuse. That said, it works equally well for diffusing, too! I have tried both and had great results each time.
The hero ingredient is hemi-squalane – a silicone alternative. It moisturises and improves the strength of your hair over time.
The cream smells fab, too! Not too strong, but a lovely grape-fruity scent.
Curlsmith Hold Me Softly Style Balm
I was late to the Curlsmith party, and sometimes I think about the years of Curlsmith-free hair that I went through before I finally tried it.
For a soft-hold wave-definition cream, I don’t think this can be beaten. It’s light, creamy and distributes beautifully.
The attention that Curlsmith give to their products is evident here. The product is free from parabens, silicones, mineral oils and phthalates. The ingredients are organic, cruelty-free and vegan,
What it does contain is a list of natural, moisturising ingredients.
The ingredients list is so good that this cream can double up as a leave-in conditioner.
We’ve got Cetearyl alcohol (a ‘good’ moisturising alcohol), coconut oil, avocado oil, aloe vera leaf extract and olive oil to name a few.
The price point is high, but I think this is one of the occasions when you get what you pay for. Ingredients like aloe vera don’t come cheap.
Due to the light nature of this cream, it is also perfect for layering under other wavy hair products. I have tried it underneath mousse and gel. It works particularly well under gel, and this is now one of my preferred product combinations.
Bumble & Bumble Don’t Blow It Fine (H)air Styler
I haven’t got the space on my site to talk about how much I love this product!
It was a game-changer for me during my transition to wearing my hair curly/wavy.
Do you want to stop using heat on your hair?
Do you still want to give your waves definition?
This is it.
A one-of-a-kind product that will do just that.
When I first started leaving my hair in its natural state, I spent months with frizzy, undefined hair. I didn’t want to risk any damage by using heat, so I just left it.
I discovered this product, which is designed to tackle exactly that situation.
You use it on wet hair and then leave it. ‘Great hair days without the heat or hassle’ is the line on the tube, and it is spot on.
It also contains protein – hydrolysed soy protein.
It made a huge difference and helped me discover my natural hair texture.
As your hair air dries, it enhances and defines your natural texture. Your hair also feels product-free.
They make versions for both fine and thick hair. I have tried the ‘Fine (H)air Styler’.
Gel
Next up on the list of cult wavy hair products is a gel that’s all about defining wavy hair.
Boucleme makes 2 different gels. This is the one that gives the strongest hold. If you are looking for a gel to enhance and hold waves or looser curls, this is a winner.
Gently scrunch it into your wet hair, then scrunch away the cast once your hair is completely dry.
It is vegan and 99% naturally derived. The key active ingredients include chia seed, blue agave, kahai oil and linseed.
The presence of chia seeds means that this product will not only style your hair, but it will also protect it. Chia seeds are high in amino acids (proteins) that are known to strengthen hair. This reduces the chances of hair being damaged by styling.
Mousse
John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Air Dry Waves Styling Foam
This mousse is a fantastic product for many reasons.
It is very light and great for creating MAX volume
This mousse is also fantastic for giving hair volume when used with a diffuser. It works when applied all over your hair, but on occasion, I have applied it just at the roots to give added lift.
Another bonus is the price. John Frieda makes a range of excellent, affordable products for curly and wavy hair.
Oil (bonus product no.6)
Ok, so this isn’t a styling product, but it is a beneficial addition to any wavy hair routine!
First of all, the oil contains the patented Olaplex ingredient Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate. This is the ingredient that re-forms bonds broken within the hair due to over-processing, such as colouring.
In addition to this, it also protects from heat, so you can diffuse knowing that your hair is protected.
It also blocks UV rays, which can damage the protein structure of your hair, and reduces frizz while smelling incredible.
How should you use it?
It can be used in several ways. You can apply it to wet hair before using heat, or on dry hair once you have finished styling. I recommend putting a drop on your hands before scrunching out a gel cast. You will smooth any frizz and add shine this way.
The bottle releases a measured drop, so you don’t need to worry about using too much.
The oil is also vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free and phthalate-free.
Check out my guide to maximizing your curls in one week
Are these products CGM approved?
Not all of the above products are Curly Girl Method approved, but that needn’t put you off.
JVN Complete Air Dry Cream – Yes
Curlsmith Hold Me Softly Styling Balm – Yes
Bumble and Bumble Don’t Blow It Fine (H)air Styler – No (contains silicones)
John Frieda Dream Curls Mousse – Yes
Boucleme Super Hold Styler – Yes
Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil – No (contains silicones)
These wavy hair products are some of the best available for defining waves and looser curl patterns.
I hope this list makes your styling routine a little easier and you benefit from these cult wavy hair products.
Don’t forget, you can always layer these products to achieve greater hold and definition. Creams and mousses can be layered under gels, and the oil can be used as the first step on wet hair or as a last step to smooth.
The only product I would recommend using on its own is the Bumble and Bumble Don’t Blow It, as it is specifically formulated to work independently.
Speak soon,
–This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission if you buy any of the products through the links provided. It doesn’t affect the price you pay and helps to run this website. Thank you x
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